Block system.



. No; 785,031. PATENTED MAR." 14, 1905. -J.-W.'ANDERSON, 13..

31,001: SYSTEM.

- APPLIQA YION FILED 11110.26, 1903.

' v H ejqlfomeys No. 785,031,. PATENTBD MAR. 14, 1905.

J. W. ANDERSON, JR.

BLOCK SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 26. 1903.

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No. 785,031 PAIENTED MAR. 14,1905.

J. W. ANDERSON, JR.

BLOCK SYSTEM. APPLIOATI ON IILEI) DEC. 26, 1903.

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film/411mm? I r j lfor-geys PATENT-ED MAIL-'14, 1 905. Lw. ANDERSON, J3.

BLOCK SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED DBO. 26, 1903.

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UNITED STATES Patented March 14, 1905.

PATENT OFFICE.

BLOCK SYSTEM.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 785,031, dated March 14, 1905.

Application filed December 26, 1903. Serial No. 186,702.

To all whom, it natty concern:

Be it known thatI, JOHN W. ANDERSON, J r.,

a citizen of the United States,residing atVVood- I tion.

This invention relates to improvements in semaphore systems, and has for its principal object to provide an automatically-operated electrical system by means of which trains approaching in either direction may be notified of atrain on ablock ahead or in theblock which they may enter; and in this connection a further and important object of' the invention is to provide a system wherein the semaphore will display a graduated signal-that is to say. a signal which will notify the engineer of an approaching train of the distance of the train ahead, so that his speed maybe regulated accordingly. I

A further object of the invention is to provide a semaphore signaling system in which a train will automatically display at the semaphore a danger-signal at the entrance end of the block and after leaving a block and entering another will display a danger-signal at the entrance of the second block and a cautionsignal at the entrance of the first block, while after passage of the second block the signals as to prevent danger to an approaching train.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a signaling mechanism in which the operating parts are so arranged and constructed'as to minimize danger of display of erroneous signals by faulty mechanism, by excessive rapidity of movement of the parts, and to permit of continuous operation of the movr ing parts until the signal has been properly set.

display of signals of diiferent character.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a signaling apparatus in which portions of the signaling mechanisms at adjacent blocks are serially connected and operate mutually to display at different points signals of different characters.

A still further object of the invention is to provide thoroughly-reliable circuit-closing devices Whichwill not be rendered inoperative by oxidation or corrosion, so that perfect make and break of the energizing-circuits may be insured.

With these and other objects in view, as will more fully hereinafter appear, the invention consists in the novel construction and arrangement of parts hereinafter described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it

being understood that various changes in the form, proportions, and minor details of the construction may be made without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the ad vantages of the invention.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is an elevation, partly in section, of a semaphoreoperating mechanism constructed in accordance with the invention. Fig. 2 is aside elevation of a portion of the same. Fig. 3 is a similar view looking from the opposite side. Fig. 4 is a detail perspective view of the circuitclosing arm. Fig. 5 is an elevation'illustrating the connections between the operating mechanism and the semaphore-arm. Figs. 6, 7, and 8 are diagrams showing the difierent positions of the parts when operated for the Fig. 9 is a diagram of the wiring system for double-track roads. Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing the arrangement of the mechanism as applied to single-track roads. Fig. 11 is a diagram of the wiring system for single-track roads. Fig. 12 is a view in the nature of a diagram, illustrating a slight modification of the invention.

Similar numerals of reference designate corresponding parts in all the figures of the drawings.

The apparatus forming the subject of the present invention is designed for use in connection with double-track roads and in con generally used in systems of this class.

nection with single-track roads, it being understood in railroad practice of the present day that in a double-track road, Where trains travel on one track continuously in one direction, it is only necessary to protect the rear of the train, while in single-track roads, where trains travel in both directions, it is necessary to provide protection for both the front and the rear of the trains.

1n the system forming a part of the present invention it is designed to employ for double track roads semaphores or signal systems for displaying danger, caution, and safety signals, and the arrangement is such that a train after entering the block will move the semaphore at the entrance of that block to danger position. On entering a second block the train will automatically set the semaphore at the entrance of the second block to danger position and simultaneously will cause movement of the semaphore at the entrance of the first block to caution. On entering the third block the semaphore at the entrance to that block will be set to danger position. The'semaphore at the entrance of the second block will be set to caution, and the semaphore at the entrance of thefirst-entered block will be set to safety.

Referring first to the general wiring system, there is shown a railway including traffic-rails 1 and 2, divided by insulating-blocks 3 into sections or blocks, as the term is At the entrance of each block is a semaphorepost 4, and to distinguish these in the following description they are designated 4 4 4, respectively. Each semaphore-post carries a semaphore arranged to display the three signals before described, and at each is a pair of magnets, to be known in the following description as operating-magnets 5 and locking-magnets 6. Extending across the traffie-rails of each block is a local wire 7 that includes a battery or other source of electrical energy 8. Taking the central section shown in the diagram, a circuit may be traced from battery 8, through wire 7, trafiic-rail 2, wire 9, operating-magnet 5 of station 4, wire 10, locking-magnet 6 of station 4, wire 11, and traflic-rail 1, to battery, showing that throughout the system the blocks are each connected in series with an operating-magnet at one semaphore and a locking-magnet at the preceding semaphore and showing, further, that the entrance of a train on any block will immediately short-circuit its battery and cause the two magnets included in that blockcircuit to be deenergized.

On each semaphore-post is mounted a semaphore-arm 12, that is carried by a shaft or arbor 13, and at one side is arranged a segment 14, carrying two colored lenses and 16, which may be moved in front of a light 16 to display red and green signals, respectively, the red or danger signal being shown when the semaphore-arm is in an approximately horizontal position, the green or caution signal being shown when the arm is at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees, and the white signal, indicating safety, being displayed when the semaphore-arm is approximately vertical.

Ata point below the shaft 13 the semaphorepost, which is preferably hollow, is provided with bearings for a short shaft-17, carrying at one end a crank-disk 18, having a wristpin 19, that is connected by a rod or link 20 to a crank-arm 21, secured to the shaft 13. This crank-disk is revolved in order to set the semaphore-arm at the different signaling positions.

To the shaft 17 is secured a disk 22, the periphery of which is provided with gear-teeth 23 which intermesh with the teeth of a pinion 24, secured .to a shaft 25. On the shaft 25 is also secureda gear or friction wheel 26,- that engages a pinion 27 on or operatively connected to the armature-shaft of a suitable electric motor 28, the construction of the parts being that ordinarily followed in diflerent classes of mechanism wherein an electric motor is designed to impart predetermined movement to a mechanism and then allowed to run until the armature comes to rest without injury to the parts. In the present instance the connections are shown in the form of friction-disks; but it will be understood that these may be in the form of slip-gears or mechanisms of similar character wherein any sudden stoppage of the part being oper ated will not interfere with the motor.

In one face of the disk 22 are out two annular grooves 29 and 29', the central rib 30 between the two grooves being provided with a pair of notches 31 and 32, that are preferably disposed in a non-diametral line for a purpose hereinafter described. The hub portion of this disk is provided with a notch 33, and in the outer wall of the groove 29 is a similar notch 34, disposed diametrically opposite the notch 33. The several notches are adapted to receive at different times a lug 3'7, projecting from a lever 38, that is fulcrumed at 39 on a base-plate 40, secured to the upper portion of the semaphore-post, and underprdinary circumstances when the parts are in the initial or safety position this lug will rest in the notch 33.

The outer portion of the lever 38 carries one or more antifriction-rollers 40, guided between a pair of strips 41, secured to the baseplate and, if necessary, insulated therefrom, and this and other parts of the mechanism may be insulated in order to prevent all danger of grounding. At the extreme outer end of the lever 38 is a pin or antifriction-roller 43, which may enter one or the other of a pair of notches 44 and 45, carried by a lever 46, that is fulcrumed at its upper end on a pin 47 but under normal conditions the roller 43 IIO will rest in engagement with the'lever at a uid, which will not congeal under ordinary temperatures and adapted to maintain a constant liquid-level in an open-topped tank 52, connected therewith. The base-plate further carries a lug 53, to which is pivoted an arm 54, carrying acontact-screw 55, which may be lowered into contact with the mercury to complete the motor-circuit, the screw permitting the utmost delicacy of adjustment when the mechanism is installed. To the arm 54 is pivoted one end of a link 56, the opposite end of which is connected to the lower end of the link 46, and when the antifriction-roller 43 engages with the outer surface of said lever the contact-screw will be held up out of engagement with the liquid. When this antifriction-roller is moved to a position opposite one or other of the notches 44 or 45, the weight of the arm 54 and link, added to the weight of the contact-screw, will cause down,- ward movement of the latter into engagement with the liquid andwill complete the circuit.

The motor-circuit may be traced f-iom a source of electrical energy, (represented in the present instance by a conventional battery 60,) through wire 61 to one of the brushes of the motor and from thence by wire 62 to the head of the lever 46, link 56, arm 54, contactscrew 55, with mercury in the fountain 51, bracket 50, and wire 64, to the battery.

The base-plate 40 constitutes a portion of a suitable casing carried by the'semaphore-post and containing the two sets of electromagnets 5 and 6, hereinbefore referred to.

Above the poles of the electromagnets 5 is pivoted an armature 70, a spring 71 tending normally to raise the armature from the magnet. The outer portion of the armature is connected by a link 72 to the lever 38, and it will be remembered that as the electromagnet is normally in a closed-circuit block the armature will be held down, the lug 37 will be returned in the notch 33, and the semaphorearm will be held at safety. The cores of the electromagnets 6 are arranged at a right angle to those of the electromagnets 5, and within the field of force of the magnet is an armature 74, carried by a pivotally-mounted lever 75, the upper end of said lever being disposed adjacent to the free end ofthearmature and serving when not attracted to move below the armature 70 and limit movement thereof in the direction of the electromagnets 5. I

Under normal conditions when a train is distant from a block the semaphore-arm is at safety and the two electromagnets 5 and 6 are energized. When a train enters the block--- say that in which the magnets of semaphorepost 4 are arrangedthe battery between the tr'aflic-rails will be short-circuited by the Wheels and axles of the train, and the electro magnet 5 will be deenergized. The armature 70 will then be raised by the spring 71 until lug 37 leaves the notch 33 and enters the inner groove 29. This movement will cause roller 43 to move to a position opposite notch 44 of lever 46, and the weight of link 56 and arm 54 will cause screw 55 to descend into contact with the mercury or other liquid in the fountain 52 and complete the motor-circuit. When this circuit is energized, the motor will operate, through the gearing connections, to rotate the disk 22 inthe direction of the arrow, and as the armature 70 is still held under the tensional strain of the spring 71 the lug 37 will hug the outer wall of the groove 29, and when the disk has turned to an extent suiiicient to bring the notch 31 opposite the lug the latter'will pass therethrough and enter the outer groove, 29. The current connection of the motor will be broken during the upward movement of the lever 38, but will be momentarily reestablished when the end frictionroller 43 arrives opposite the notch 45, at which time lever 46 Will move in the manner previously described to again establish the motor-circuit. The disk will rotate during all this time to the extent of one-half of a revolution or until notch 34 arrives opposite the lug 37,"and when the latter enters said notch the rotation of the disk will be positively stopped, and the motor-circuit will be broken by the passage of the antifriction-rollers above the notch 45. During this half-revolution of the disk the wrist-pin 19 will have traveled from its lowest to its highest position, and the semaphore-arm will be set at danger. It will be observed that should the speed of the mechanism be excessive or if from any other cause the lug 37 should not enter the notch 34 the motor will still continue to rotate and the disk will continue to revolve until the lug finally enters the notch and the movable parts are locked from further rotation.

During the movement previously described it will be remembered that the battery of the first block only has been short-circuited, and therefore the magnets 6 will still be energized. When the train passes into the block of semaphore 4, the above-described operation will take place at that semaphore, and the series circuit previously described will be short-circuited to demagnetize or deenergize the locking-magnets 6. When this happens, the upper end of lever 75 will move to a position below the armature 7 O, and the passage of the train out of the first block Will again permit the battery of that block to become ment of the'armature 70 the lever 38 will be depressed until the lug 37 moves out of the notch 34 and enters the outer groove 29 of the disk. At this time the roller 13 will have moved opposite notch 45 of lever 16 and the motor-circuit will be established in the manner previously described. The downward pull on the armature will keep lug 37 in engagement with the innermost wall of the groove 29, and when the disk has made one-quarter of a revolution .the notch 37 will have arrived opposite the lug, and the latter will enter said notch; but instead of passing through, as during the previous movement of the parts, to danger position the lug will remain in the notch, this being due to the fact that downward movement of the lever is limited by engagement of the armature with the lockinglever 75. This permits movement of the crankpin to an extent sufficient to move the semaphore-arm to caution, the green signal being displayed at night, and the parts remain in this position until after the train has made its exit from the second block and entered the third block.

Then the train enters the third block, the battery of the second block resumes its functions and energizes the electromagnet 6 of the first block. This causes outward movement of the upper end of the lever 75, and as the electromagnet 5 is still energized it will attract the armature and lever 38 will be pulled down until lug 37 leaves the notch 32 and enters the inner annular groove 29 of the disk. The roller 43 will then move opposite notch 14: and the motor-circuit will be again established, causing the disk to revolve until lug 37 again enters the notch 33 and the semaphore-arm resumes its initial or safety position. It is to be noted with respect to the three several locking-notches that so long as the travel of trains in both directions it isdesirable to use a positive block in both directions, so that a train will be protected not only from rear-end collisions, but also from collisions with trains traveling toward it and moving in the opposite direction. The system therefore is made applicable to singletrack railways, and the semaphores and connections are so arranged that as soon as a train enters the block it will cause the semaphores at both the entrance and the exit ends of that block to move to danger position and when leaving the block the signal at both ends of the block will be restored to safety position.

The single-track system comprises a semaphore-post at each end of a block, these being represented in diagram in Fig. 11. The semaphores and 81 are connected in series by wires 82 with the traffic-rails 1 and 2 and the battery 83. In each of the carrying-boxes'of the semaphore-post is an electromagnet 83, Fig. 10, above which is an armature 81, connected by a rod 85 to a lever 86, having mechanism at its outer end for making and breaking a motor-circuit, the arrangement of this mechanism being preferably of the character previously described.

Y The disk 22 is provided with a single groove 88, on the inner wall of which is a notch 89, and in its outer wall is a notch 90. These notches receive a lug 91, projecting from one side of the lever 86, and normally the parts are arranged in such position that the lug 91 will be entered in the notch 89 and the semaphore disposed in the vertical or safety position. When a train enters the block from either direction, the battery of that block will be short-circuited and the magnet 83 deenergized. This permits the spring 92 to elevate the armature and lever 86 until the lug 91 enters the groove 88 and hugs the outer wall thereof. At the same time the motor-circuit is energized, and the disk 22 is rotated and continuously rotated until the lug 91 enters the notch 90 and the semaphore-arm is moved to danger position. The parts remain in this position, and as the semaphores at both ends of the block are connected in series the train will be protected both at front and rear. WVhen the train leaves the block, the battery of such block renews its function and again energizes the electromagnet. This causes armature 8 1 to move downward, and lug 91 leaves the notch 90 and enters the annular groove 88. The battery-circuit being reestablished, the disk 22' again turns until the lug 91 enters the groove 89 and the battery-circuit is broken and a semaphore moved to safety position.

The semaphores employed in connection with this system are preferably counterweighted, so as to balance a portion of their weight and reduce the load on the motor, and at the same time provision is made formoving the semaphore to display proper signal in case of accidents.

It will be observed that the crank-arm 21, connected to the semaphore-shaft 13, is disposed in a horizontal plane slightly to one side of the plane of the shaft 17. In order to insure proper movement of the semaphore, especially to danger position, the notches 31 and 32 of rib 30 are arranged on lines other than diametral, being disposed practically in such position that both at one position of the crank are in the arc of a circle struck from the crank-pin of said crank, and the stoppingpoints of the crank-pin 19 to indicate caution signals are similarly. disposed, thus insuring the utmost exactness in the position of the parts and the proper setting of the signals. When set to safety position, the crank-pin 19 will be in a position slightly beyond a plane including the centers of the pin of crank 21 and the shaft 17 or, in other words, beyond the dead-center. Between the crank-pin 19 IIO and the shaft 13 or any other appropriate fastening device extends a tension spring 95, which tends to move the semaphore-arm from safety to danger position, and should the motor refuse to work after the lug 37 has been raised from its notch the spring will move the semaphore up to danger position and stop an.

approaching train.

It will be observed that the liquid circuitcloser herein described is not absolutely necessary in carrying out the invention, inasmuch as circuit-closers of other type may be employed-as, for instance, that shown in Fig. 12, wherein contact-plates 100 101 are employed for closing the motor-circuit. In apparatus exposed to varying atmospheric conditions, however, it is not advisable to employ metallic contacts, owing to liability of disarrangement of the system through oxidation or corrosion.

Having thus described my invention, what 1 claim is 1. In block systems, a semaphore-signal for each block, a semaphore-actuating means for causing movement of the signal to safety, caution, or danger positions, a plurality of signal-controlling devices for each semaphore, and circuits connecting the controlling means of adjacent blocks in series, the controlling means of one class of one block being connected to the controlling means of another class in an adjacent block.

2. In block systems, insulated blocks, a motor, a motor-circuit, a grooved disk'having a plurality of notches, means connecting the motor to the disk, means for transmitting the movement thereof to a semaphore-arm, and an electromagnetically controlled member -movable into and out of the groove and notches, said member controlling the making and breaking of the motor-circuit.

3. In block systems, insulated blocks, a semaphore-arm, a grooved disk having notches, an arm having a lug entering said groove and notches, an electromagnet for controlling the position of the arm, a motor, and means carried by the arm for making and breaking the circuit of the motor.

4. In block systems, insulated blocks, a semaphore-arm, a grooved disk having a plurality of notches, a circuit-closing arm having a lug adapted to the grooves and notches of the disk, a motor-arranged in the circuit closed by said arm and serving as a disk-revolving means, and mechanism for controlling the movements of the arm.

5. In block systems, insulated blocks, a semaphore-arm, a grooved disk having a plurality of notches, a motor for revolving the disk, a motor-circuit, a circuit-closing arm having a lug adapted to the grooves and notches of the disk, means for connecting the disk to the semaphore-arm, and means for controlling the position of the circuit-closing movement.

6. In block systems, insulated blocks, a semaphore-arm, a revoluble disk connected to the arm, a motor for revolving the disk, and means in part controlled by the disk for making and breaking the motor-circuit.

7. A semaphore-operating mechanism, in-

cluding a motor, a motor-circuit, a revoluble disk, connected to the motor and to the semaphore-arm, and means in part controlled by the disk for making and breaking the motorcircuit.

' 8. A semaphore-operating mechanism including a motor, a motor-circuit, a grooved disk in which the walls of the groove are provided with notches, a circuit-closing arm having a lug adapted tothe grooves and notches of the disk, an electromagnet for moving the arm, means for connecting the motor to the disk and means for transmitting the movement of the disk to the semaphore-arm.

9. In semaphore-operating mechanisms, a

motor, a motor-circuit, a revoluble disk connected to the semaphore-arm and to the motor and provided with grooves and notches, an arm having a lug adapted to the grooves and notches and serving to make and break the motor-circuit, an electromagnet controlling the position of the arm, and an independ ent means for stopping the movement of the arm during a portion of the time said magnet is energized. 10. In'semaphore-operating mechanisms, a motor, a motor-circuit, a revoluble disk connected to the motor andto the semaphore-arm, said disk having on one of its faces an annular groove provided with notches in both walls, a lever or arm having a lug adapted to the groove and notches of thedisk and serving to make and break the motor-circuit, an electromagnet arranged in a block-circuit, an armature disposed within the field of force of the electromagnet and connected to the circuit-controlling arm, and means tending to withdraw the armature from the poles of the magnet.

- 11. In a semaphore-actuating device, amotor, a motor-circuit, a revoluble disk connected to the motor, means for transmitting the movement of the disk to the semaphore, said disk being provided with an annular groove having notched walls, an arm or lever having a lug entering the groove and notches and serving when in the groove to close the motorcircuit and when in the notches to break said motor-circuit, and means for controlling the position of the arm.

12. In semaphore-operating mechanisms, a semaphore-arm, a disk connected thereto d having an annular groove provided witl a notched wall, a motor for actuating the disk, and an arm having a lug adapted to enter the notch and lock the disk in predetermined position, said arm serving also to control the motor-circuit.

13. A semaphore-operating mechanism including a motor, a motor-circuit, a revoluble disk connected to the motor and to the semaphore-arm, said disk having grooves, the Walls of which are provided with notches, an arm having a lug movable into and out of the grooves and notches, said lug serving when in the notches to lock the disk in predetermined positions controlling respectively the different classes of signals and when moved out of the notches into the grooves to release the disk, electrically-controlled means for moving the arm, means controlled by the arm serving to close the motor-circuit when the disk is released and to break said circuit when the disk is locked. v

14. In block systems, insulated blocks, block-circuits, amotor, amotor-circuit, a semaphore-arm, a revoluble disk, means for transmitting the movement of the motor to the disk, means for transmitting the movement of the disk to the semaphore-arm, electrically-controlled means for simultaneously locking the disk in predetermined positions controlling respectively the dilierent classes of signals and breaking the motor-circuit, and means for simultaneously unlocking the disk and closing the motor-circuit when achange of signal is required.

15. In semaphore-operating mechanism, a motor, a motor-circuit, a disk having a pair of annular and concentric grooves, the walls of' notched, said disk being connected to the motor, means for transmitting the movements of the disk to the semaphore-arm, a circuit-closing arm having a lug entering the grooves and notches, a pair of electromagnets having armatures, and means for connecting the circuit-closing arm to one of the armatures, a

the walls of which aresecond armature serving as a means for limiting the movement of the first armature,

17. In semaphore-operating mechanisms, block-circuits, a semaphore for each block, said semaphores being movable to display safety, caution, and danger signals, a semaphore-actuating motor, a motor-circuit, and

means for making and breaking the circuit, and a pair of electromagnetsfor controlling the position of the circuit maker and breaker, said magnets being connected, respectively, in dilferent block-sections.

18. In a mechanism of the class described, a

circuit including a liquid-containing vessel forming one terminal of the circuit, a pivotally-mounted contact forming the second terminal and movable by gravity into engagement With the first, a pivoted lever having a notched portion and a movable membermovable to a position opposite the notch to allow swinging movement of the lever and downward movement of the pivoted terminal to close the circuit.

19. A mechanism of the class described, a circuit of which a liquid-containing vessel forms one terminal, a pivotally-mounted arm forming the second terminal, a pivoted lever having a linked connection with said arm and provided with a notch, or recessed portion, and a movable member normallytengaging the face of the lever to hold the circuit broken, andthe adjustment of said movable member to a position in alinement with said recess to permit the swinging movement of the lever and downward movement of the pivoted arm to close the circuit.

20. In semaphore-operating mechanisms, a semaphore-arm, a revoluble disk having a cranked connection therewith, a crank-pin being normally stopped beyond a dead-center thereby to permit the descent of the semaphore-arm by gravity, and means for elevating the semaphore-arm.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto afl1xed my signature in the presence or two witnesses.

JOHN W. ANDERSON, JR.

\Vitnesses:

JNo. E. PARKER, J. Ross Common. 

